Materials Research and Development Engineer The Pennsylvania State University paid time off, sick time, remote work United States, Pennsylvania, University Park 201 Old Main (Show on map) Oct 06, 2026

APPLICATION

INSTRUCTIONS

CURRENT

PENN STATE EMPLOYEE

(faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT

(not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.

For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations. We are searching for a motivated Materials Research and Development Engineer to join the Materials for Extreme Environments Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The Materials for Extreme Environments Department develops and evaluates advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and engineering solutions for demanding operational environments. This role will support experimental research, engineering analysis, prototype development, materials testing, and the transition of new technologies into practical applications. The successful candidate will apply engineering principles and scientific methods to solve materials and manufacturing challenges for the U.S. military and other government customers. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

Conduct collaborative research, development, testing, and evaluation activities under the guidance of experienced technical staff

Investigate and evaluate materials, coatings, manufacturing processes, and component performance

Develop experimental plans, test procedures, data-collection methods, and performance metrics

Design or support the design of prototypes, test fixtures, experimental systems, and process equipment

Conduct mechanical, thermal, environmental, and surface-property testing

Perform materials characterization using microscopy, spectroscopy, profilometry, and other analytical methods

Analyze experimental data to identify trends, technical issues, and opportunities for improvement

Apply engineering principles and scientific methods to recommend changes to materials, processes, equipment, or test methods

Operate and support materials-processing, coating, heat-treatment, surface-preparation, and testing equipment

Support additive manufacturing, machining, welding, fabrication, and mechanical assembly activities

Troubleshoot experimental equipment and help resolve process or instrumentation problems

Prepare technical reports, presentations, test plans, and other project documentation

Collaborate with engineers, scientists, faculty, technical staff, government customers, and industry partners

Support prototype demonstrations, customer evaluations, manufacturing activities, and technology-transition efforts

Maintain technical knowledge through literature reviews, professional development, and awareness of emerging materials and manufacturing technologies Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes: Support development of advanced prototypes and transition technologies from research concepts into operational capabilities for government sponsors

Prepare technical reports, engineering analyses, research publications, white papers, proposals, briefings, and sponsor deliverables documenting research methods, technical findings, and program status

Present technical information and research results to sponsors, program managers, technical review boards, and other internal and external stakeholders

Manage technical tasks and engineering projects of varying size and complexity, including responsibility for technical performance, schedules, budgets, deliverables, and risk management

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, software developers, technicians, and external research partners to accomplish program objectives Required Skills/Experience areas include: Engineering principles and scientific methods applicable to materials, manufacturing, mechanical systems, chemistry, or physics

Experimental work, engineering analysis, materials processing, manufacturing, or testing gained through coursework, internships, research, military service, employment, or independent projects

Demonstrated ability to define a technical problem, evaluate information, and formulate a logical approach to solving it

Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret technical data

Past success providing technical ideas in written form for clear comprehension

Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding

Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary, team-oriented cultures

Laboratory safety practices, including personal protective equipment, chemical handling, compressed gases, and waste disposal Preferred Skills/Experience areas include: Materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, welding engineering, manufacturing engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, or a related discipline

Coatings, surface engineering, heat treatment, additive manufacturing, machining, welding, or materials processing

Mechanical, corrosion, adhesion, wear, thermal, or environmental testing

Optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, FTIR, XRD, profilometry, or other materials-characterization methods

Experimental design, statistical analysis, computer-aided design, data-acquisition systems, or engineering analysis software

Preparation of technical reports, presentations, research summaries, or test plans

ASTM, military, or industry test standards

Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R D Engineer

• Materials (ARL)
• Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree
• Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience

Required Certifications:

None If filled as R D Engineer

• Materials (ARL)
• Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree
• Engineering or Science No prior relevant work experience required

Required Certifications:

None ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

on ARL, visit our website atwww.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $92,100.00

• $174,708.00. Salary Structure
• Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines Notify me of jobs like this

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